In spring 2026, France conducted its first extended deployment to Finland, with approximately 180 soldiers from the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade (27e Brigade d'Infanterie de Montagne) serving in the country from late February to early June.

The Finnish Army states that the French unit Battle Unit Finland (BUF) trained closely alongside the Finnish Army during the three-month period, including with the Jaeger Brigade.

The soldiers also participated in the joint exercises Cold Response 26 in Lapland and Northern Star 26 in the Kainuu region. The Finnish Army notes that the French soldiers, who specialise in high-altitude combat, adapted to a markedly different environment characterised by dense forests, vast marshlands, and Arctic conditions.

During the deployment, the troops practised movement, water crossings, and combat techniques adapted to Nordic forest terrain. Close tactical and technical cooperation with Finnish units, particularly within engineering, artillery, and air support, improved interoperability between the two armies, according to the Finnish Army.

The Finnish Army describes the deployment as historic, stating that it lays the foundation for deepened bilateral defence cooperation and increased interoperability on Europe's northeastern flank.